Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Exec

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland's €3bn, 14,758km national gas network, one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in Europe. More than 720,000 homes and businesses rely on the network for secure and efficient energy.

The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation. 

Gas Networks Ireland is aiming to deliver a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045. Its “Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network” envisions transforming the existing gas network into two separate systems carrying 100% renewable gas, one dedicated to biomethane and the other to green hydrogen, with the potential to carry approximately 30% biomethane and 70% green hydrogen, as well as offering significant long term energy export opportunities. 

The Role:

Gas Networks Ireland is seeking a highly organised and proactive Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Executive to support the delivery of our stakeholder engagement, public affairs and advocacy programmes on a 1 year fixed term contract.

Reporting to the Head of Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement, the successful candidate will support strategic engagement with government, regulators, industry stakeholders and key influencers who are critical to the delivery of Gas Networks Ireland's strategy.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the management and development of Gas Networks Ireland's stakeholder relationship management programme.
• Coordinate stakeholder intelligence gathering and engagement reporting.
• Support the implementation and ongoing development Gas Networks Ireland's stakeholder CRM system.
• Assist in tracking stakeholder engagements, actions and follow-up activities.
• Support preparation of quarterly stakeholder reviews, stakeholder dashboards and executive reporting.
• Assist with the maintenance and continuous improvement of stakeholder engagement processes and governance.

Stakeholder Engagement Panel

• Provide coordination and administrative support for the CRU Gas Network Stakeholder Engagement Evaluation Panel.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, meeting logistics, and reporting.
• Support preparation of stakeholder engagement plans, submissions and presentations.
• Assist with capturing stakeholder feedback and monitoring delivery against panel commitments

Public Affairs and Government Engagement

• Monitor political, parliamentary and policy developments relevant to the energy sector.
• Support engagement with Ministers, Special Advisers, Government Departments, Oireachtas Members, regulators and industry bodies.
• Draft briefing notes, stakeholder profiles, engagement summaries and correspondence.
• Assist with the management of public affairs and Oireachtas correspondence and queries.
• Work closely with the policy team to monitor emerging policy developments and stakeholder activity which may impact Gas Networks Ireland's strategic priorities.
• Support advocacy campaigns related to strategic infrastructure and wider energy policy.
• Stakeholder Communications
• Draft internal communications, stakeholder updates and engagement reports.
• Support the preparation of executive and senior management stakeholder materials.
• Assist with the development of stakeholder presentations and briefing packs.
• Coordinate communication of stakeholder insights and engagement outcomes across the business.

Events and Stakeholder Programmes

• Coordinate Gas Networks Ireland attendance at key stakeholder events including conferences, industry forums, chamber events and policy engagements.
• Support organisation of stakeholder site visits, roundtables, workshops and engagement events.
• Coordinate logistics, invitations, attendee management and stakeholder follow-up.
• Attend stakeholder events and prepare engagement summaries and action logs.

Administration and Project Support

• Support budget tracking, purchase orders, invoicing and event expenditure.
• Maintain stakeholder databases and engagement records.
• Coordinate diaries, meetings and stakeholder actions where required.
• Provide general project support across the Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement team.

Why Join Us? Join a team that values innovation, sustainability, and collaborative working. You will  play a crucial role in helping us communicate our transformative journey towards a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, communications, public policy, external affairs or a similar role.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Excellent written communication and report writing ability.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Interest in government, regulation, public policy, energy, infrastructure or sustainability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.

This role would suit an individual with 2-5 years' experience in public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, public policy or external affairs who is looking to gain exposure to high-profile stakeholder engagement, government relations and strategic advocacy within a national infrastructure organisation.

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Package/ Benefits

•    Competitive basic salary €50,000 - €55,000 (DOE)
•   Performance Bonus - €2,000
• Hybrid Working
•   Company pension
• Paid study leave
• Fertility treatment support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee benefits platform and wellbeing supports
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities